At O’Connor Company, safety means more than following procedures or wearing the right PPE. It’s about protecting our people and making sure everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.
But not every hazard on a jobsite is something we can see.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and it’s an important opportunity for the construction industry to talk about mental health, recognize the warning signs that someone may be struggling, and remind our teams that asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness.
A Serious Issue in Our Industry
Construction has one of the highest suicide rates of any occupation in the United States. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the suicide rate among construction workers is four times higher than that of the general population.
The reasons are complex, and there is no single cause of suicide. However, OSHA points to several work-related stressors that can affect mental health within our industry, including seasonal work, demanding schedules, and workplace injuries.
Behind every statistic is a person—a coworker, friend, spouse, parent, sibling, or member of a crew.
That’s why mental health belongs in the conversation about construction safety.
Not All Struggle Is Visible
On a jobsite, we’re trained to identify hazards. We inspect equipment, assess conditions, wear protective gear, and speak up when something doesn’t look right.
We need to bring that same awareness to one another. You don’t need to have all the answers. Sometimes, the first step is simply noticing.
Five Things We Can All Do
OSHA’s Suicide Prevention in Construction: 5 Things You Should Know outlines five actions everyone in our industry can take:
Be Aware. Pay Attention. Reach Out. Take Action. Learn More.
If you’re concerned about someone, ask them privately if they’re okay. Listen without judgment and encourage them to connect with available support, whether that’s an Employee Assistance Program, Human Resources, or a mental health professional.
And don’t underestimate the importance of that conversation.
Construction is built around teams. We depend on one another to recognize hazards, communicate, and step in when someone needs help. Looking out for someone’s mental well-being should be no different.
When Someone Needs Immediate Help
If you believe a coworker or someone you know is at immediate risk of suicide, stay with them and get help.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call or text 988 to connect with trained crisis support.
Not All Struggles Are Visible. But No One Should Struggle Alone.
This September—and throughout the year—we encourage everyone in our industry to check in with one another, speak up when something seems off, and remember that taking care of our people means taking care of the whole person.
Your safety matters. Your mental health matters. You matter.
For confidential crisis support available 24/7, call or text 988.
Additional Resources
OSHA: Preventing Suicides in Construction
OSHA: Suicide Prevention in Construction: 5 Things You Should Know
SAMHSA: National Behavioral Health Crisis Care Guidance